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Bill

Bill

HB 894

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 17 co-sponsors

Bill HB 894 enhances transparency in campaign finance, lobbying, and state contracts, impacting candidates, lobbyists, and the public by ensuring accountability in government.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
#campaignfinance #lobbyists #procurement #statecontracts
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 894

Summary of Bill HB 894: Relating to Government

Overview

Bill HB 894, introduced on January 21, 2025, aims to address issues related to campaign finance, lobbyists, procurement, and state contracts. The bill is currently in the legislative process and has been recommended for deferral by the committee on Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA).

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 894 is to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations, particularly concerning the influence of money in politics and the procurement process. The bill seeks to establish clearer regulations and guidelines for campaign financing and lobbying activities, as well as to improve the management of state contracts.

Key Provisions

While the specific provisions of HB 894 are not detailed in the provided information, typical elements in similar legislation may include:

  • Campaign Finance Regulations: Establishing limits on contributions to political campaigns and requiring more detailed reporting of campaign finances.
  • Lobbyist Registration and Reporting: Mandating that lobbyists register with the state and disclose their activities and expenditures.
  • Procurement Processes: Implementing stricter guidelines for how state contracts are awarded, potentially including measures to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure fair competition.
  • Transparency Measures: Enhancing public access to information regarding campaign contributions, lobbying activities, and state contracts.

Affected Parties

The bill would primarily impact:

  • Political Candidates and Campaigns: By imposing new regulations on campaign financing.
  • Lobbyists and Advocacy Groups: Through registration and reporting requirements.
  • State Agencies and Contractors: By changing how state contracts are awarded and managed.
  • The General Public: By increasing transparency and accountability in government dealings.

Legislative Timeline

  • January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and pending introduction.
  • January 23, 2025: Bill referred to the JHA and Finance (FIN) committees.
  • January 31, 2025: Scheduled for a hearing by the JHA committee on February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM via videoconference.
  • February 5, 2025: The JHA committee recommended that the measure be deferred.

Conclusion

HB 894 represents an effort to reform aspects of campaign finance, lobbying, and state procurement processes. While the bill is currently deferred, its introduction indicates a legislative interest in addressing these critical areas of governance. Stakeholders and the public will be watching for further developments as the bill progresses through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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